30 years of hard knocks

Conrad John Schuck first played Daddy Warbucks to a 13-year-old Sarah Jessica Parker in the original Broadway run of “Annie,” but seeing his former costar play the protagonist on “Sex and the City” doesn’t make him feel old.

After more than 3,000 performances as the legendary tycoon, Schuck feels he has grown into the role and is preparing to add a few more performances to his resume with “Annie” as it comes to the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s Segerstrom Hall on Tuesday.

“When I first started off, I tried to act older than I was, and now I’m trying to act younger” said Schuck, 66, who first appeared as Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks in 1979 when he was 39. “I feel like I’m finally getting it right.”

On its 30th anniversary national tour, original Broadway director and lyricist Martin Charnin brings Schuck and the rest of the “Annie” cast to Orange County, a destination 12-year-old Marissa O’Donnell, who plays Annie, is excited to explore.

In her second year on the tour, Marissa and her “orphan friends” have been busy sightseeing all over the country between performances, a time also reserved for their on-the-road tutor, Miss Sarah. Their schooling includes field trips, which have taken the girls to the Golden Gate Bridge, the Liberty Bell and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

“I love this tour — I get to go see sights, and I get to do the show,” said Marissa, who loves the warm California weather. She is hoping to visit some local beaches for the first time. “The thing I love most is playing such a known part that everybody is so happy to see.”

Marissa expects audiences will delight in the antics of fellow cast member Lola, who as Annie’s dog, Sandy, once rolled over the 4-foot-10-inch actress during a performance. Lola was adopted from the Connecticut Humane Society — the same place trainer William Berloni found the original Sandy — to understudy the role for the 20th anniversary show, and has since earned her keep.

“They trained her for a really long time, and now she’s an old pro,” Marissa said. “At rehearsal in New York last year, I was the one being trained.”

Since then, Marissa has calmed her nerves and matured into a “really credible young actress,” Schuck said. Acting and traveling with so many children, he makes it a point to keep them on their toes, while still having a good time.

“For anybody to have the poise to be on a stage is exceptional, but to do it at this age is quite remarkable,” he said about the show’s star. “She makes my work easy to do.”

Adding a fresh perspective to one of the most successful musicals and scores in Broadway history, Tony-winning set designer Ming Cho Lee has created a colorful, expressive stage for the 30th anniversary tour, and Schuck adds a new song, “Why Should I Change a Thing?” to his lineup.

Nonetheless, for “Little Orphan Annie,” the best part of the show continues to be its uplifting, follow-your-dreams spirit.

“It’s a really heartwarming show that will make you feel good inside,” Marissa said. “You want to clap at the end.”

IF YOU GO

WHAT: The 30th anniversary national tour of “Annie”

WHEN: Jan. 30 through Feb. 11; 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays

WHERE: The Orange County Performing Arts Center’s Segerstom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

COST: $20 to $70

INFO: Tickets are available at the center’s box office, online at https://www.ocpac.org or by phone at (714) 556-2787. Two-for-one tickets are available for the 6:30 p.m. performance on Feb. 4.